Dropsy

Symptoms

This disease is characterised by a swollen or hollow abdomen. Swollen areas may exhibit a 'pine-cone' appearance
caused by the fishes scales sticking out. Fish may also appear off-colour and listless, and may stop feeding. The
swelling caused by this disease may often be mistaken for a pregnant or egg-carrying fish. Gouramies and Cyprinids
(barbs, danios, etc) are prone to this disease.

Causes

Dropsy is a condition with several possible causes. It may frequently be caused by internal infections by a number
of different bacterial species. Viruses have also been associated with the disease. Poor water quality and/or diet
may trigger the disease. If the problem has been caused by permanant damage to the kidney, then treating the infection
will not eradicate the symptoms.

Possible cures

This disease must be caught early to maximise the chance of saving an affected fish, and even then the disease
is difficult to cure. Previously, antibiotics prescribed by a vet were the only means of treatment for those countries
(including the UK) where antibiotics cannot be purchased over-the-counter. There are
now commercially available remedies which may help. These include Interpet #9 Anti Internal Bacteria and Waterlife's
Octozin. The addition of salt (1 tsp/gallon) may also be beneficial.

Dropsy is not usually considered to be particularly contagious, so it should not spread to other healthy fish - dead fish should
be removed immediately however, to avoid cannibalism. However, bear in mind that there is more than one cause of dropsy, so in
some cases the infective agent could be contagious. It is preferable to carry out treatment in a hospital tank where
available.